Yes, I dragged myself out of bed at what would normally be not far from when I jump into it ... rising at 5am this morning to greet the dawn, heading out to see a merry band of Ballooner's puff up their rides and take off into the bright dawn light for a flight along the Hudson River and Valley.
The 6pm flight the night before had been cancelled due to massive thunderstorms that were buzzing about in the hot summer skies so there was a little anxiety about whether the event would turn out well. Thankfully the weather gods were smiling. Picture perfect clear skies this morning, no wind to speak of and we were treated to a full and splendid display of color and stellar "balloons-manship (and the odd ladyship too, just to be politically correct)!
It seems to be no mean feat to get these massive things airborne, requiring an injection of air propelled by way of huge fans before they start to further inflate the balloon using hot air directed into the mouth from a torch-like propane burner. Ropes abound, to tie the balloon down until it's ready to fly, to tweak and pull this and that, and there's always the ready heave-ho of the odd hundred pound (or two) human to balance things out.
Then things seem to reach that magical moment, the sweet spot where the balloon is filled, the basket is manned, passengers aboard and it just lifts off silently, magestically, into the sky.....
What can I say? Such a sight to behold and well worth the 5am roll call in every respect!
I hope your weekend was filled with a bit of color and sunshine too!
xoxo
I have to struggle out of bed at 5 AM for work but I know I'd pop right up if I had something so colorful to look forward to. Your shots are so bright and clear! What a variety of balloons!
Posted by: Maery Rose | July 11, 2012 at 09:32 PM
Oh, my heaventy sakes. This is SUCH a milestone.
And great pictures, as usual. The clarity and colors of the moment must be so satisfying.
I mean, the clarity of getting up at 5am and then doing this!
Posted by: Chris | July 10, 2012 at 06:21 PM
Truly spectacular shots! You grabbed some of the most amazing shots and perspectives, had to have been amazing to watch and capture. Another memory maker for you and #2 son :-)
Posted by: Bren | July 09, 2012 at 02:08 PM
OMG!!! what a fabulous day!! and great photography!
Posted by: nancy donaldson | July 09, 2012 at 10:02 AM
Oh wow....spectacular!!
Posted by: Sherri B. | July 09, 2012 at 09:08 AM
Thanks for sharing these with us! I especially like the one looking up into the balloon.
Posted by: Vicki in Michigan | July 09, 2012 at 08:16 AM
wonderful photos! the colors are amazing. glad you werent rained out!can you imagine what people from an earlier time would think if they saw those monsters coming!
Posted by: lyle baxter | July 09, 2012 at 07:11 AM
Beautiful photos! I took a hot air balloon ride once, but was too busy experiencing it to take many photos.
Posted by: joanne thieme huffman | July 09, 2012 at 03:30 AM